In clockwise order, tropical cyclones Milton, Mawar, Alfred and Errol.
Source: Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
How Climate Change Is Fueling Stronger, Wetter and More Destructive Hurricanes
As ocean temperatures rise, tropical cyclones are becoming more powerful and unpredictable.
Climate change is cranking up the intensity of tropical cyclones. Known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on where they’re spawned, these spinning storms are becoming more potent as warmer seas and a hotter atmosphere provide more fuel.
Ocean temperatures have been breaking heat records, in some places approaching the feel of a comfortable bath, and ramped-up evaporation rates are loading cyclones with trillions of gallons of rainfall. At the same time, wind shear that can help keep storms in check has been weakening in some parts of the world as sea temperatures rise.